Chapter 9 The duties of a Luna
"May we come in, Your Majesty?" the maid asked again.
I was in shock. They all had their heads bowed in respect. I could only move aside and make room for them to enter. As soon as they put everything down or around the room, they all lined up and bowed to me.
"It is a great blessing from the moon goddess to have granted us a Luna. Please allow us to assist you in whatever you need," the same maid said. "My name is Ana, and I was chosen by the king to be his principal maid. I will be responsible for fulfilling all your wishes and needs. Please, if you need anything, speak to me, and I will provide it as quickly as possible."
I was still in shock, my mouth agape at the whole scene. Bowing, respect, majesty, and politeness. It would take me a while to get used to that treatment. I was one of them, in fact, I would never be able to work in the king's house. Apparently, even some caregivers had higher positions than others.
Their dresses were made of fine fabric, and they were all well-fed. They seemed to have a comfortable life. While my clothes were worn and faded. I barely ate, and much of my body reflected the hard life I led. It was strange to be served. Or to hear someone asking me 'please,' just to be able to help me.
"Yes, please." That's all I can manage to say.
They spread out across the room, starting to take things out of boxes and dresses out of cloaks. They begin to place the exposed clothes in my direction. And I stand there, speechless, looking at each piece. Conrad wasn't exaggerating when he told me he would dress me in vicuña, gold, and diamonds.
I had never seen such luxurious and detailed clothes. Never, not even the alphas of my pack, had worn clothes like this.
"I prepared a bath for you, Miss." A servant approaches from behind me, drawing my attention. "I put in bath salts; I hope everything is to Your Majesty's liking." He finishes with a bow.
"Thank you," I say awkwardly.
I enter the bathroom and see a large bathtub. The room was filled with a wonderful scent of roses. The bathwater was extremely inviting. There was a layer of white foam and rose petals on top. I smiled.
I had prepared baths for several wolves, but I had never had the opportunity to use a bathroom myself. I excitedly take off my clothes, eager to experience something new. I put my foot in first and feel a shiver run through my entire body.
The temperature was wonderful. I get into the bathtub and sit down, resting my head on the edge as I saw the others do. It felt like I was inside a cloud. Fragrant, warm, and welcoming. The muscles in my body, which were always tense and rigid, were relaxed this time. My whole body seemed to be going limp.
"This is very good," I say, closing my eyes and smiling.
"I'm glad you liked it, Your Majesty." I hear a different voice.
I'm startled and sit up in the bathtub. It wasn't a caregiver. Her confident posture, her elegant clothes, her flawless makeup, her perfectly styled long blonde hair, and her immense beauty.
"I apologize for the fright," she says with a gentle smile. "I'm Selena, your lady-in-waiting."
My mouth drops open, completely speechless.
"Lady-in-waiting?" I ask, forcing a smile.
"It's not something extremely official. The royalty has adapted to modern times. But sometimes, extra help is necessary." I notice her veiled insinuation, but I ignore it.
It wouldn't be bad to have someone who understood royalty and could help me understand this world.
"Thank you for your willingness," I try to be as polite as possible. "It will be good to have extra help."
"I am at your disposal for anything Your Majesty may desire. I will do my utmost to help you with this transition. I will wait for you outside and I will set aside some good clothing options."
I simply nod and Selena leaves. I can breathe normally. Her aura was different, I could feel it. Not like Conrad or even the Queen. Selena had something different, which I still hadn't been able to understand.
I finish my shower and come out of the bathroom wrapped in a fluffy bathrobe. There were several sets of clothes laid out, even bags, jewelry, and shoes. I gasp in amazement. Selena seemed extremely competent.
"I've set aside some options that I hope you will like, Your Majesty," Selena says promptly.
"Thank you," I say, still surprised as I look at everything.
"Which one would you like to try on first?"
That was a great question. I smile, eager for that. I pick up a red suit, trousers and a dress shirt. Elegant and understated. I walk to the fitting room they had set up and start trying on the clothes. I was really excited about it.
"Can I ask you a question, Selena?" I ask, glancing sideways at Selena, who was next to me.
I was sitting at the desk and a woman was applying some makeup to my face.
"Of course, Your Majesty," I promptly replied with a kind smile.
"Please, just call me Maya. After all, we're going to spend a good amount of time together," I asked with a smile.
"Alright, Maya," she replied, returning my kindness.
"I know it's a very complex question, but I'd at least like you to list the most important things. What are the main duties of a Luna?"
Selena seemed to take a deep breath and consider her answer.
"The duty of a Luna is even heavier than that of the Alpha King." Her first sentence made me look at her and ignore the makeup. "The King focuses on protecting and ruling the people. Luna also has this duty, but more than that, Luna must transmit power and grace. Luna is the foundation of the entire kingdom. Everyone will look to Luna; her image will be a reflection of her people. Luna must be careful with every word she writes, every letter she says, and everything she does. You will be the image of all royalty. You will define how the people look at the king. If you show yourself to be strong and powerful, the kingdom will act accordingly. But if you fall, Maya, everyone will fall too, including the king."